Netflix’s Hidden Western Gem You Need to Watch

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Netflix created one of the finest western movies of contemporary times, yet it didn’t receive the recognition it should have upon its release. Western films have been among the most beloved genres since the advent of narrative filmmaking at the start of the 20th century, and they continued to churn out box-office hits for decades. The genre masterfully combines action and drama in a way that encapsulates the quintessence of cinema, with its grandeur, idealized portrayal of the American West, and immersive sensory experiences making westerns synonymous with the moviegoing experience.

1970s Westerns started losing popularity and those produced during this era often critically examined the politics within the genre. The top Westerns from the ’70s challenged the idyllic image of the West, presenting a harsher and more violent reality of American westward expansion instead. The 1990s saw a resurgence of traditional Westerns, but the genre hasn’t found its footing in the 21st century. Sometimes contemporary audiences embrace Westerns, but Netflix’s recent foray into the genre was initially overlooked at the beginning of the 2020s.

The Harder They Fall Has Everything You Could Want In A Western

The Netflix Original Is A Textbook Example Of A Great Western

2021’s “The Harder They Fall” pushes the boundaries of the traditional western genre while still preserving its core elements. It revolves around a character named Nat Love (Jonathan Majors), who seeks revenge against the villainous Rufus Buck (Idris Elba) for murdering his parents in his childhood. The narrative unfolds with familiar western motifs but incorporates a contemporary vibe. The film boasts an almost entirely Black cast and features music by contemporary artists.

The cast of The Harder They Fall includes:

Actor The Harder They Fall Role
Jonathan Majors Nat Love
Idris Elba Rufus Buck
Zazie Beetz Stagecoach Mary
Regina King Trudy Smith
Delroy Lindo Bass Reeves
Lakeith Stanfield Cherokee Bill
RJ Cyler Jim Beckwourth
Danielle Deadwyler Cuffee
Edi Gathegi Bill Pickett

Regarding its outdated style, the film boasts a thrilling Western action, echoing the spirit of earlier productions. It boasts an impressive ensemble cast who infuse their individual perspectives into the genre. The narrative of The Harder They Fall draws inspiration from genuine historical figures, thus paying tribute to the frequently neglected Black cowboys and outlaws in traditional Westerns. While a straightforward revenge storyline serves as the background, it’s the characters that take center stage, making this film both character-focused and plot-driven.

In “The Harder They Fall,” the blend of time-honored western themes and rich elements of Black history truly shines as its standout feature. Remarkably, this movie excels on all fronts of technical craftsmanship as well. To put it simply, “The Harder They Fall” is visually captivating, borrowing from iconic western aesthetics for inspiration while incorporating contemporary cinematic techniques, particularly in intense and dramatic sequences.

There Are So Many Homages To Classic Westerns In The Harder They Fall

The Harder They Fall Is Original But It Pays Homage To Western History

It might have seemed that The Harder They Fall underperformed due to its unconventional nature, appearing too different from traditional western films to resonate with mainstream audiences. However, this assumption is off-base. If we disregard its unique anachronistic aspects and distinctive style, The Harder They Fall remains a heartfelt tribute to the classic movies that preceded it. The most apparent homage is to Sergio Leone’s masterpiece, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, a film widely regarded as having had the greatest impact on the western genre.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but draw parallels between “The Harder They Fall” and classic spaghetti westerns, particularly in its iconic final shot where the protagonists gallop away into the sunset. This ending, as clichéd as it may seem amidst the familiar tropes of the western genre, serves as a deliberate nod to the enduring legacy of Clint Eastwood’s hits. The title of this film, too, seems to pay homage to the 1972 film, “The Harder They Come,” a blend of neo-western and conventional crime elements that has left an indelible mark on cinema.

Despite not being directly derived from other western films, “The Harder They Fall” leans heavily into the classic western tropes and is a fitting addition to the genre, offering enough appeal for dedicated fans. The movie skillfully incorporates outlaws, criminal gangs, intense gunfights, and traditional law enforcement figures, setting it apart from many contemporary western productions. As the popularity of western films seems to dwindle over time, Netflix’s original film should be given more recognition for its contributions in keeping the genre alive.

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2025-05-19 21:48